The architecture at Ytri grows out of this landscape. Designed by Vardehaugen Architects, the buildings draw inspiration from the historic fishing villages that once lined the coast – resilient communities shaped by necessity, colour, and craftsmanship. Houses follow the contours of the land, taking their form from wind, sea, and shoreline. Old paths, worn smooth by time and tide, connect the buildings and lead naturally out into the islands’ open terrain.

The rooms are calm, light-filled retreats at the edge of the sea. Natural materials, thoughtful details, and a restrained Nordic aesthetic create spaces that feel grounded and restorative. Soft Arctic light moves through the rooms throughout the day, while the open horizon outside sets the pace. Just beyond, the wood-fired sauna becomes a gathering place where warmth, nature, and conversation meet, offering a deeply Nordic way to unwind.

Ytri was born from a local vision: to invite the world into a way of life shaped by the sea and a strong island community. Though remote, Træna is a living place, grounded in fishing, local culture, and active settlements spread across the archipelago. Over a decade, a small group dared to create something rooted in Træna’s heritage yet open to the wider world. Today, Ytri welcomes guests not as spectators, but as participants in island life.

Start the day with a swim in the ocean, followed by warmth in the sauna or quiet hours in the Arctic Wellness area, where hot tubs and the beach sit side by side. Guests also have complimentary access to the gym and can borrow kayaks, canoes, SUP boards, bicycles, and diving gear to explore the islands at their own pace.

For those who wish to venture further, guided experiences can be arranged, from boat trips to Myken and the Whisky Cathedral to fishing with a local captain, seasonal lobster fishing, or freediving for scallops. Whether you seek movement or stillness, Ytri offers the freedom to shape each day to your own rhythm.

Food at Ytri follows the rhythm of the sea and the seasons. At the edge of the Norwegian Sea, meals are quietly confident and deeply connected to place, shaped by fresh local fish and seafood, produce from the surrounding landscape, and careful craftsmanship. Evenings unfold around a set menu that reflects what the waters and kitchen garden offer at that moment, while the Chef’s Table invites guests to explore the island’s flavours more deeply through a tasting experience rooted in stories, technique, and time.

Beyond Ytri, Træna itself invites exploration. One of Norway’s oldest fishing settlements, the archipelago carries layers of history shaped by sea and survival. On the island of Sanna lies Kirkehelleren, a vast cave that has served as a gathering place for more than 9,000 years. Around 450 people live in Træna today, many of whom are happy to share their stories, traditions, and reflections on island life. For those who wish to meet some of them, the team at Ytri will gladly assist.

At the outer edge of the Norwegian Sea, weather and wind are ever-present companions. From glassy calm and endless light to rolling storms and sharp winds, nature here is honest and alive. Ytri invites you to slow down, to listen, and to experience a way of life shaped by the horizon itself.